Reversing Gum Disease With Lasers

The treatment of periodontal (gum) disease has been revolutionized by the use of the diode laser. The treatment of periodontal disease has not changed dramatically in the past 50 years. The goal of treatment has traditionally been to keep a diseased oral condition from getting worse. Painful surgery must be performed in some cases by cutting the gums away, leaving unattractive, sensitive roots. Now with laser assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT) we are able to eliminate the factors responsible for periodontal disease and in most cases reverse the damage that has already been done without surgery.

Gum disease is diagnosed by the presence of

  1. pathologic bacteria,
  2. red and bleeding gum tissue, and
  3. gum pockets greater than 3 millimeters deep.

The diode laser used in this treatment eliminates all three of these disease factors by the following:

  • Laser decontamination of the gum pockets reduces the bacterial count from over 1 billion to less than a hundred, virtually eliminating the inflammatory irritants responsible for periodontal disease.
  • Laser debridement or curettage removes the diseased lining of the gum pocket, leaving healthy tissue which can reattach to the root and re-establish a healthy pocket depth.
  • Biostimulation from the laser energy accelerates healing by causing an increase in circulation, collagen formation, and osteoblastic activity (bone growth).

Periodontal disease not only affects approximately 80% of adults and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, but current research has linked this seemingly insignificant condition to other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, low birth weight babies, respiratory illnesses, etc. We are excited to bring this treatment to you and look forward to seeing its benefits to your oral health as well as your general health.

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More About Periodontal (Gum) Disease